Revolutionizing IVF: New Research Challenges Genetic Embryo Screening Practices

MAY 24, 2021

New breakthrough promises to revamp IVF success rates by challenging the current genetic test used to discard potential embryos. A majority of embryonic candidates are eliminated early due to an in vitro fertilization technique med at spotting abnormalities through a genetic screening process. This stringent selection procedure significantly hinders success rates, particularly for women who fall into older age brackets or those diagnosed with premature ovarian aging.

However, recent research published in Nature Cell Biology questions the efficacy and reliability of this genetic test, revealing that numerous embryos that were previously flagged as problematic by the test have successfully developed into healthy children post-birth. This study underscores that some screened-for chromosomal abnormalities could be self-correcting during gestation.

This discovery is going to fundamentally transform how we proceed with IVF practices, comments Ali H. Brivanlou, Director of the Laboratory of Synthetic Embryology at Rockefeller University. The current genetic test used for embryo quality assessment should be replaced by more accurate tools.

In defense of the blastocyst

During of in vitro fertilization, eggs are collected from a woman's ovaries and combined with donor sperm to form embryos that are then cultured in a petri dish for five to six days. This development eventually results in a ball of several hundred cells known as a blastocyst, which is later implanted into the uterus following an evaluation on its quality. About two decades ago, an initial genetic test was introduced to screen blastocysts for any aneuploidy abnormal number of chromosomes as it was associated with miscarriage risks.

However, this preimplantation genetic test known as PGT-A has been criticized for producing false positives - eliminating blastocysts that might have had no such abnormalities upon further testing. It is also striking to observe the seemingly high prevalence of aneuploid blastocysts in women aged young or without apparent fertility issues.

We often encountered situations where patients who should have had plenty of healthy embryos underwent IVF cycles but all their embryos were declared genetically abnormal, says Norbert Gleicher, President and Medical Director at the Center for Reproduction. This biologically doesn't make sense.

To address concerns over the test's reliability, Gleicher began to implant blastocysts that fled PGT-A screening into willing patients under his care. s showed no significant difference in miscarriage rates among women who received supposedly aneuploid embryos versus those with screened blastocysts - thousands of healthy babies have been born as a result.

The self-correcting capacity

This recent discovery by the Rockefeller University research team reveals that some chromosomal abnormalities may naturally be resolved during embryo development, challenging the current understanding.

The implication is profound, explns Brivanlou. We now know that potentially thousands of good embryos might have been discarded dly.

To promote wider adoption of these findings and encourage a shift away from PGT-A screening in IVF clinics, Gleicher comments: The technology has great potential to d many couples struggling with infertility issues - we need to unlock its full potential for the benefit of patients everywhere.

Related Publication

Yang M., Rito T., Metzger J., Naftaly J., Soman R., Hu J., Albertini D.F., Barad D.H., Brivanlou A.H., and Gleicher N. 2021. Depletion of aneuploid cells in embryos and gastruloids Nature Cell Biology

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This revised version emphasizes the groundbreaking nature of the discovery, its potential implications for IVF practices, and the need to reconsider current screening methodologies. It also mntns a more concise yet informative tone while keeping the 's core facts intact.
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